The past eight years have been disastrous for America: the failed (or — if you are an optimist — failing) wars in Iraq and Afghanistan; the parallel rise in regional influence of Iran; the unconstitutional domestic spying and other violations of civil liberties; the appointment of radical right-wingers to the federal judiciary, including the Supreme Court; the growing gap between the rich and the affluent and the rest of nation; the reckless economic policies that have lead to the current economic meltdown; and an epidemic of Congressional corruption among the Republicans and their corporate lobbying cronies.

It is impossible to emphasize the importance of redirecting America’s sorry course. The nation has lost its way.

For these reasons — and for others that are also vitally important — the Phoenix endorses Barack Obama for President and Joe Biden for Vice President.

The idea of John McCain and Sarah Palin in those jobs is simply too frightening to contemplate. The McCain and Palin candidacies are rooted in a Republican vision of America that is narrow, intolerant, and divisive. They promise to lead America deeper into a bankrupt past.

The challenges facing the next President will be the greatest in recent memory: to restore the nation’s international standing while simultaneously rebuilding a shell-shocked economy. So great is the job ahead that it is difficult not to imagine that a President Obama at times might falter. But his energy, eloquence, intelligence, and steady temperament make him the candidate best equipped to face the future.

No endorsement for US SenateThe Phoenix makes no endorsement for the United States Senate. Neither Republican Susan Collins, the incumbent, nor Democratic challenger Tom Allen would agree to talk with this paper.

Collins, according to her campaign, was “too busy.” But at least the Collins people were polite.

The Allen campaign played a rather bizarre and sleazy game. Allen press aide Carol Andrews said her candidate would only meet with the Phoenix if the paper promised not to meet with Herb Hoffman, a leftish independent “declared write-in” candidate whom the Allen people see as a thorn in their side. After the Phoenix told the Allen campaign it was none of their business whom the paper spoke with, we invited them to set a date for a talk. The Phoenix never heard from Allen again. It is indeed dispiriting when veteran public officials such as Collins and Allen are either too timid or too arrogant to speak with the press.

While the Phoenix makes no endorsement, here are some thoughts for voters to ponder as they struggle to make up their minds:

Hoffman is an energetic amateur, but is clearly not ready for primetime. A vote for Hoffman is a protest vote. It might be politically satisfying, but it is politically immature.

Allen is the guy for you if you are fed up with Republicans and want to ride them out of Washington on a rail.

ENDORSEMENTS, OR LACK THEREOF | October 31, 2008 The Phoenix makes no endorsement for the United States Senate. Neither Republican Susan Collins, the incumbent, nor Democratic challenger Tom Allen would agree to talk with this paper.